SIGMA PHI OMEGA PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: ITS ROLE IN ADVANCING THE FUTURE OF GERONTOLOGISTS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Abstract Sigma Phi Omega, The International Academic Honor and Professional Society in Gerontology (aka Sigma Phi Omega), was established in 1980 to recognize excellence of those who study gerontology and aging, and the outstanding service of professionals who work with or on behalf of older persons. The formation of this society provided a much-needed link between educators, practitioners, and administrators in various settings where older persons are served. Through the efforts of the international office and executive board officers, Sigma Phi Omega builds avenues to further their members’ academic and professional gerontological excellence. The goals of Sigma Phi Omega are achieved primarily through activities of local chapters at higher education institutions worldwide. Sigma Phi Omega chapters serve as links within their respective communities to promote interaction between gerontology educators, students, alumni, and local professionals. This international organization has a laser focus on excellence within gerontology and health professions education. In this session, the first presentation will provide the history of Sigma Phi Omega and its outreach efforts; the second presentation will focus on the future goals of Sigma Phi Omega to expand its role as an international honor society in preparing gerontologists, service providers and health professionals working with or on behalf of older adults; and the third presentation will focus on the SPO Chapters and their relationship with the piloted Gerontological Society of America Student Chapters.

As WTC exposure may precipitate frailty, we examined patterns of frailty in the general responders cohort. We used two methods to assess frailty: a Clinical Frailty Index (FI) developed using a deficit accumulation approach utilizing clinical assessments performed during routine annual visits to a WTC clinical program in New York City; and a frailty questionnaire (5-point FRAIL scale) collected from a subsample of responders. Using a Clinical FI cutoff score of 0.25, over 25% of the 7,679 participants, median age 58.3 years (IQR 9.3), who had any visit to the WTC clinical program from 2017 to 2019, were frail. In a subsample of 100 participants with additional frailty assessment (FRAIL scale), we found that 27% were pre-frail, 5% were frail, 14% had recent falls, 9% had ADL dependencies; 34% had mild cognitive impairment. These data suggest that frailty and its related conditions are prevalent among the cohort despite younger age.

POLYPHARMACY AND FRAILTY AMONG WORLD TRADE CENTER GENERAL RESPONDERS
William Hung 1 , Ghalib Bello 1 , Fred Ko 1 , Ahmad Sabra 1 , Erin Thanik 1 , Roberto Lucchini 2 , and Katherine Ornstein 3 , 1. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai,New York,New York,United States,2. Florida International University,Miami,Florida,United States,3. Johns Hopkins University,Baltimore,Maryland,United States Polypharmacy in older adults is associated with increased risk of adverse events such as falls, adverse drug reactions and functional decline. WTC responders suffer from conditions related to WTC exposure and are at higher risk of polypharmacy. We examined patterns of medication use among WTC general responders aged 50 and over who had at least one visit from 2017 to 2019 (n=7,679); 56.1% took 5+ medications and 22.5% took 10+ medications. Factors associated with polypharmacy (taking 5+ medications) include age (OR 1.08, p<0.001), female sex (OR 1.33, p<0.001), obesity (1.90, p<0.001), fair/poor self-rated health (OR 1.32, p<0.001) and limitations on performing moderate activity (OR 1.52, p<0.001). Frailty, as measured by the deficit count in the Clinical Frailty Index, is associated with polypharmacy after adjusting for other covariates (OR 1.23, p<0.001). Addressing polypharmacy by improving medication use may yield health benefits for this rapidly aging population at risk for adverse outcomes.

SIGMA PHI OMEGA PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: ITS ROLE IN ADVANCING THE FUTURE OF GERONTOLOGISTS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Chair: Diane Martin Co-Chair: Katarina Friberg Felsted
Sigma Phi Omega, The International Academic Honor and Professional Society in Gerontology (aka Sigma Phi Omega), was established in 1980 to recognize excellence of those who study gerontology and aging, and the outstanding service of professionals who work with or on behalf of older persons. The formation of this society provided Innovation in Aging, 2022, Vol. 6, No.S1 a much-needed link between educators, practitioners, and administrators in various settings where older persons are served. Through the efforts of the international office and executive board officers, Sigma Phi Omega builds avenues to further their members' academic and professional gerontological excellence. The goals of Sigma Phi Omega are achieved primarily through activities of local chapters at higher education institutions worldwide. Sigma Phi Omega chapters serve as links within their respective communities to promote interaction between gerontology educators, students, alumni, and local professionals. This international organization has a laser focus on excellence within gerontology and health professions education. In this session, the first presentation will provide the history of Sigma Phi Omega and its outreach efforts; the second presentation will focus on the future goals of Sigma Phi Omega to expand its role as an international honor society in preparing gerontologists, service providers and health professionals working with or on behalf of older adults; and the third presentation will focus on the SPO Chapters and their relationship with the piloted Gerontological Society of America Student Chapters.

SIGMA PHI OMEGA CHAPTERS AND THEIR COLLABORATION WITH THE PILOTED GSA STUDENT CHAPTERS Marilyn Gugliucci, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, Maine, United States
Networking is the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. The newly piloted GSA student chapters are encouraged to build relationships that can lead to networking and collaboration. While it is important to maintain a unique Sigma Phi Omega institutional chapter identity, the GSA student chapters also focus on the field of aging within a Higher Education Institution. Sigma Phi Omega collaborating with GSA Student Chapters is mutually beneficial in expanding learning, exploring new ideas, building professional connections, creating innovative projects, and gaining insights to other opportunities for professional and personal growth. This session will provide guidance on how to foster collaboration and growth for each of these chapters while honoring respective chapter missions, requirements, and educational experiences.

SIGMA PHI OMEGA'S FUTURE Diane Martin, University of Maryland, Baltimore Graduate School, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Sigma Phi Omega (SPO) is well established within the United States but as The International Academic Honor and Professional Society in Gerontology, it is time to intentionally expand globally in preparing gerontologists, service providers, and health professionals in the field of aging. This session will build on the platform provided by Dr. Katarina Friberg Felsted, Sigma Phi Omega immediate past president, and encourage discussion with and among attendees on ideas and creative approaches for advancing Sigma Phi Omega at colleges and universities worldwide. Broad input and feedback for mapping the future of Sigma Phi Omega across the national and international arenas provides opportunities and prospects that advances the fields of gerontology and geriatrics. The key is upholding Sigma Phi Omega's mission and vision that supports aging through the work our members do with or on behalf of older adults.

SIGMA PHI OMEGA: HISTORY AND ITS OUTREACH EFFORTS Katarina Friberg Felsted, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Sigma Phi Omega, The International Academic Honor and Professional Society in Gerontology (aka Sigma Phi Omega), was established in 1980 to recognize excellence of those who study gerontology and aging, and the outstanding service of professionals who work with or on behalf of older persons. Its mission and vision was thoughtfully crafted to support the endurance and outreach of Sigma Phi Omega within the United States and globally. This session will share the structure and function of Sigma Phi Omega and its accomplishments. This foundation is an essential platform for the launching of the organization's strategic plan as we move forward in the field of aging.

STIGMA IN THE CONTEXT OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS (ADRD) WITHIN RURAL AND UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS Chair: Elizabeth Rhodus Co-Chair: Steffi Kim Discussant: Fayron Epps
Stigma in the context of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) is associated with a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, social isolation, and poorer caregiver health. This is particularly true for underserved and rural communities; however, little is known about the sources of stigma and implications of stigma within these communities. This symposium explores sources of stigma along with implications of stigma in rural and/or underserved communities and introduces novel interventional considerations for addressing stigma. The first presentation by Rhodus and colleagues highlights implications of stigma in rural Appalachian communities as it relates to ADRD healthcare service and research participation. Next, Sabat and colleagues present findings of a recent intervention program, "Respite for All," specifically, implications of this program for caregivers' perception of stigma, as well as the person living with ADRD. This symposium also includes presentations focused on Alaska Native (AN) experiences with stigma and ADRD. Kim discusses findings of a community-based participatory research project using mixed-method to explore structural stigma in rural communities and needed initiatives for familial care partners. To conclude the program, Crouch and Rosich present results of a grounded theory, exploratory study aimed to understand the cultural practices and values that compose AN Elder beliefs and perceptions of ADRD, including stigmas. This symposium will conclude with a discussion on how researchers may begin to integrate approaches to address stigma in rural and underserved communities in order to enhance care utilization and quality of life for older adults caring for and living with ADRD.